ACT or SAT?

Okay, so my SAT scores are qualifying. A little awhile ago, I took the ACT. It wasn't my best day and I didn't score very well. These scores were sent to USAFA and now on my portal it says not competitive for the science reasoning portion. Can USAFA count the ACT even though the SAT test is already in? Can I delete my ACT test scores?

Sincerely,
Worried

Simply contact your admissions counselor, and ask them if your SAT scores ARE qualifying, how come they aren't using those scores, and are instead using the ACT scores which AREN'T qualifying. They should be able to correct it on the spot. I'm assuming the academy does have your SAT scores. Anyway, just call, ask, and question. They'll fix it. Hopefully you're scheduled to retake the ACT/SAT again. Best of luck. Mike....

Christcorp, Any idea what is considered a competitive score this year?

Let me be the first to say you aren't the first to be in this situation, nor will you be the last.

From the wise advice of many on this board, we learned the following things that might also help you (and others):

• Find helpful study aids / programs / books...there are many
• Concentrate on areas in which you need improvement
• Take both SAT & ACT (some do better on one than they do on the other)
• Retake either / both as many times as you need to
• USAFA will superscore the best of the best
• Don't worry!

Keep the faith! You've come a long way and there's still time. Raptor is scheduled to test again next week...

Packer said:

Christcorp, Any idea what is considered a competitive score this year?

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Adding to this question, or is it not that simple in that even competitive determinations are based on the WCS? ie a 27 ACT may be competitive for one applicant but not another.

Packer said:

Christcorp, Any idea what is considered a competitive score this year?

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Let me answer that.

A "competitive" score "this" year or any other year is highly subjective. USAFA/RRS is not going to tell you "XXX" score is competitive for EVERY candidate. Some scores are competitive for some candidates, while those same scores might NOT be competitive for another.

The "baseline" to look for is: what is the minimum score for qualification. Those are MUCH lower than "competitive." And while your scores might "qualify" they may not be competitive.

This year? Your guess is as good as anyone else's but I'm willing to give my opinion. And that's all it is, MY OPINION. It's based upon numerous briefings I've received from USAFA/RRS, a couple visits this cycle to USAFA, and a LOT of years of experience.

I "think" that to be truly, REALLY, competitive for this VERY BRUTAL cycle at USAFA, you need scores in the VERY HIGH 600's and that may not be enough! ACT scores...if you're not in the 30's, I don't think it'll work.

NOW....REALIZE there are OTHER FACTORS that are looked at: SAT/ACT is not the end-all, the WCS: Weighted Composite Score is THE number. And the SAT/ACT is only a portion of that!

The rest of the package is crucial as well! Which is why I can't (neither can CC or anyone else here) say "for certain" what IS or what IS NOT competitive. It might be possible for someone with SATs in the mid 600's to be a "slam dunk" appointee because the rest of their package is just that good! ACTs could be in the upper 20s and low 30s; same story.

And then there's that amazing candidate that is just head and shoulders above everyone else, EXCEPT in test scores: and they receive a principal nomination (which means they receive an appointment) because they were just that impressive to their MOC's nomination board. I know a current cadet at USAFA that was precisely that last year. His scores were NOT the highest, not even close...they were above the mins, but not awesome. But the rest of the package WAS STELLAR! And his interviews with the nomination board...they couldn't have been better. And he was the principal nominee. He's now a "doolie" and doing great!!!

Long-winded answer, I realize, but I think it's key to understand that your focus needs to be to achieve the highest score you can; don't focus upon a number, focus upon the entire package!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

Flieger. Great explanation. Much appreciated.

Steve (Flieger) couldn't have explained it any better. And his comments trump mine. Many here might respect my opinions; "Thank You"; but I defer to Steve. So should you.

But to combine steve's and packer's post: Remember, the academy looks at the total person.

Example: An individual with a 4.0gpa and 27ACT might get an appointment, while another individual with a 3.8gpa and a 30ACT might not get an appointment. WHY? 2 reasons:

1. The academy looks at the WHOLE person. Maybe the person with the higher ACT/SAT didn't have any real leadership or EC. Maybe the person with the lower ACT/SAT also was class vice-president, captain of their varsity team, had 200+ hours of volunteer, etc...

2. Receiving an appointment is based on YOU vs Your COMPETITION!!! None of us know the others competing with you on your nomination slate. Then, if you aren't appointed from that slate, we don't know the competition in the national pool. Hell; I normally don't know the competition in the rest of my own state. Just my candidates. WHAT IF: You have a 3.8gpa and 30ACT, but all of your competition has 3.9gpa and 28ACT???

Again; it's the TOTAL PACKAGE. Are you competitive? There isn't one person here that can say YES or NO. All you can do is YOUR BEST!!! NEVER be satisfied with what the minimums are, or what you THINK is competitive. Get the HIGHEST GPA you can, in the HARDEST CLASSES you can take. Then, take the ACT/SAT as many times as you can, and can afford. Get the highest scores you can. if you do these things, then you can sit back and say: "I've done the BEST That I could do". After that, simply hurry up and wait. I've said it 100 times before. I, Steve, and others know individuals who we thought had a 100% chance of getting an appointment; yet they didn't get one. Why? Because of the WHOLE PERSON PACKAGE and because of their competition. I personally know of an individual with a 4.0gpa in the hardest classes and aced the SAT and a 35ACT across the board. She DID NOT receive an appointment. She only had academics. Hope this clarifies the VAGUENESS of the process. Best of luck.... Mike....

Thank You everyone! I have a 4.0 and lots of extracurriculars. I feel like if I had less extracurriculars, I could have taken an SAT course. oh well. However, I feel so much better. I am taking my SAT for the last time tommorow and another ACT next week! I'm going to try my best and after it is all over, relax and know I tried my best! I want to score in the upper 600s and low 700s for math tommorow. If you can, keep me in your prayers!
Thank You

Sincerely

Sarah

howacupcake said:

Thank You everyone! I have a 4.0 and lots of extracurriculars. I feel like if I had less extracurriculars, I could have taken an SAT course. oh well. However, I feel so much better. I am taking my SAT for the last time tommorow and another ACT next week! I'm going to try my best and after it is all over, relax and know I tried my best! I want to score 800 for math tommorow. If you can, keep me in your prayers!
Thank You

Sincerely

Sarah

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I fixed it for you Sarah. LOL!!! Remember: ALWAYS strive for the BEST. Best of luck to you. Mike...